Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing, 75, sued for S$950,000 by former assistant over alleged unpaid wages

A former assistant has filed a S$950,000 lawsuit against veteran Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing, claiming that he worked for her in several different capacities and was not adequately compensated.

The former assistant, identified as Gu Ke, is 37 years old and therefore 38 years younger than the 75-year-old actress. He has reportedly brought the case to the Chaoyang District People’s Court in Beijing, seeking 5.04 million yuan, equivalent to about S$950,000.

Gu’s claims go beyond a dispute over employment. He alleges that he and Liu were romantically involved for several years and lived together during the period he worked for her.

Former assistant claims they lived together for six years

According to reports cited by Lianhe Zaobao, Gu said he began working with Liu in 2015. He allegedly moved into the actress’s home the following year, claiming that they subsequently lived together for around six years.

Gu has also alleged that Liu used an affectionate nickname for him during their time together, describing their relationship as more than simply that of an employer and employee.

Apart from his photography duties, Gu claims he was responsible for a wide range of tasks connected to Liu’s personal and professional life. These allegedly included driving, household chores and managing her social media accounts.

He maintains that the arrangement should not be viewed as him being financially supported by the actress. Instead, he describes their relationship as involving both personal and business elements.

Claims monthly salary did not reflect his workload

Gu reportedly received 10,000 yuan a month, or around S$1,900. He argues that the amount was insufficient given the number of responsibilities he allegedly handled.

His lawsuit reportedly seeks compensation for what he believes were unpaid wages, as well as overtime payments and interest. The total amount being sought is 5.04 million yuan.

Gu also claims that their relationship deteriorated in 2021. According to his version of events, he approached Liu for financial help to start a business but was turned down.

He alleges that he was subsequently blocked and asked to leave the property, effectively ending both their personal and working relationship.

Liu Xiaoqing rejects allegations

Liu has strongly disputed Gu’s account of events.

The actress denies that the pair were ever romantically involved or that they lived together as a couple. She maintains that their relationship was strictly professional and that Gu was employed as her assistant.

Liu has also rejected the suggestion that she owes him outstanding wages. She reportedly says that his salary had already been fully settled and that there was no unpaid amount remaining.

The actress has further accused Gu of demanding a substantial sum without sufficient evidence to support his claims. She has reportedly stated that she would not pay him “a single cent”.

The dispute is currently going through court mediation, according to the report. It remains unclear how the case will ultimately be resolved, with the allegations from both sides yet to be settled by the court.

For now, the case centres on sharply contrasting accounts of what was supposedly a long-term working arrangement — with Gu describing it as a relationship and business partnership, while Liu insists it was nothing more than an employer-employee relationship.